Varkoch Gate and Bastions

In front of the gate, a pentagonal Italian-style bastion was built for its protection, which rose only to the height of the southern castle wall at that time, meaning it was single-story. The gate was closed off by a counterweighted drawbridge, equipped with outer and inner wolf pits. A loophole was created on the right side, which not only defended the entrance but also the southern castle wall. A similar loophole was constructed on the western side as well. Additionally, a small pedestrian gate was built, accessible by stairs leading down from inside the bastion. This first phase of the bastion and gate's construction was completed in 1542.

The fortification work of the castle was continued with great vigor by the new provost and castellan, István Dobó, who took charge of the castle in 1548. Under his supervision, the walls of the bastion were heightened, and an internal wooden ceiling was also constructed. During the 1552 siege, the bastion did not suffer significant damage, and to further preserve its condition, a roof was added above the walls in 1553.

The modernization and reconstruction of the Eger Castle, which began in 1569 and spanned 27 years, also affected the Varkoch Bastion. Between 1591 and 1594, Bálint Prépostváry, the castle captain, covered the interior of the gate bastion with a vault, making it suitable for the construction of an upper floor equipped with eight loopholes. The structure was covered with a new roof, on top of which a clock tower was also added.

The Varkoch Gate withstood the 1596 Turkish siege and survived the Turkish occupation. Only time triumphed over it. The structure, which had stood for over two hundred years, was completely dismantled between 1804-06 due to its deteriorated condition.

Following partial restorations in the 1960s, the bastion was rebuilt in 2020-2021, regaining its present form, reflecting its 1594 appearance.